A Small Victory: Contract Award a Positive Step for McDowell

Just when it appeared as if all hope had been lost, McDowell County 's proposed $142 million federal prison project is once again back on track toward construction.

Despite an attempt by the Bush administration to rescind the millions already earmarked for construction, a unified cry of outrage from the citizens of McDowell County and their elected officials on the local, state, and federal level could be making an important difference.

Despite the White House threat, the Federal Bureau of Prisons awarded a $7.3 million design contract Monday for the 1,280 bed facility planned at the Indian Ridge Industrial Park in Welch.

U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., said the award of the design contract marked a “good step forward” in making the prison – and the 350 jobs it will create – a reality once again for McDowell County . However, he warned that much work remains ahead in overcoming the challenge by the Bush administration.

Byrd , U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller and U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall are actively fighting to ensure that the construction will begin on the McDowell County project. The Democratic delegation is supported not only by the McDowell County Commission, but also by the citizens of the county who appear to be largely unified in support of the project. If there are individuals opposed to the prison, and there probably are, they have chosen to remain silent.

We are glad to see the award of the $7.3 million design contract as an important first step in moving the project toward construction. “This federal prison is good for the nation and good for West Virginia ,” Byrd said in a news release earlier this week. “The country's current correctional facilities are overcrowded and inmate populations are expected to continue to limb. McDowell County wants this y and the jobs and investments that will accompany it.”

We urge local, state, and federal officials to continue their fight for this worthy cause. The federal prison has long been envisioned as the centerpiece of the massive industrial park in Welch, which will help to pump millions of desperately needed dollars annually in the county's economy. It also could help to spur spin-off industries such as new motels, restaurants, and convenience stores near the industrial park site.

The award of the design contract represents a victory for the elected officials and citizens of McDowell County , although it is only one small step in the process. A much larger fight is still ahead, as the citizens of McDowell County and their elected officials must convince the Bush administration to rethink its decision to cancel the prison project. Without the administration's support, finding federal funding won't be easy. A unified front

will be critical to ensure that this economic development project can proceed from the design phase to the construction phase.